Pacific strategy map

War in the Pacific timeline

By Hadassah Richmond

  • Island Hopping

    Island Hopping
    Island hopping was a U.S. military strategy in the Pacific during World War II, forces selectively attacked key islands while passing others to advance Japan. This approach lowered casualties and resource use.
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  • Wake Island

    Wake Island
    A small Pacific island, was the site of a large battle in December 1941 when Japanese forces attacked shortly after Pearl Harbor. Despite a defense by U.S. Marines and civilians, the island fell to Japan, remaining under occupation until the end of World War II.
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  • Los Alamos, NM

    Los Alamos, NM
    Los Alamos is best known for the site of the top-secret Manhattan Project, where scientists developed the first atomic bombs during World War II. Today, it is a center for scientific research at Los Alamos National Laboratory and is a historic, technological hub in the United States. Article
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  • Battle of Bataan

    Battle of Bataan
    This battle was fought by the United States and common wealth of the Philippines. During this battle many troups suffered from disease, hunger, wounds and death. Article
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  • Battle of the Coral Sea

    Battle of the Coral Sea
    Fight between the U.S. and Japan, this marked the first time aircraft carriers engaged without direct ship-to-ship combat. Although both sides suffered heavy losses, the battle stopped Japan’s advance toward Australia and set the stage for the U.S. victory at Midway.
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  • Battle of Midway

    Battle of Midway
    The Battle of Midway was crucial to American Victory. The U.S Navy intercepted the Japanese invading fleet heading to the Midway Islands. Article Video

  • Guadalcanal

    Guadalcanal
    First major Allied offensive in the Pacific, where U.S. forces fought to secure the island from Japanese control. The hard-fought victory halted Japan’s expansion, and turned the war to favor of the Allies.
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  • Battle of Tarawa

    Battle of Tarawa
    In this battle Marines faced fierce Japanese resistance on the heavily fortified atoll. Despite suffering much hurt, the U.S. secured the island, marking a crucial step in the Pacific island-hopping campaign against Japan.
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  • Leyte Gulf

    Leyte Gulf
    The largest naval battle of World War II, where U.S. and Allied forces defeated the Japanese navy in a fight near the Philippines. This battle stopped Japan’s naval power, and paved the way for the liberation of the Philippines.
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  • Manila

    Manila
    The capital of the Philippines, was a major battleground during World War II, suffering heavy destruction during the battle. After brutal urban combat between U.S. and Japanese forces, the city was liberated, but at the cost of over 100,000 civilian lives.
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  • Battle of Iwo Jima

    Battle of Iwo Jima
    Marines fought to capture the island from strong Japanese forces. The intense combat resulted in high casualties on both sides and was symbolized by the iconic flag-raising on Mount Suribachi.
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  • Battle of Okinawa

    Battle of Okinawa
    U.S. forces fought to take over the island from Japan in a brutal fight. Marked by heavy resistance, kamikaze attacks, and high civilian casualties, the battle played a key role in the decision to use atomic bombs to end the war.
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  • Hiroshima

    Hiroshima
    The United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima Japan, killing tens of thousands instantly and devastating the city. This marked the first use of nuclear weapons in warfare and contributed to Japan's surrender, ending World War II.
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  • Nagasaki

    Nagasaki
    Nagasaki was the second city targeted by an atomic bomb on August 9, 1945. This lead to massive destruction and loss of life, it contributed to Japan’s surrender in World War II.
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  • Tokyo Bay

    Tokyo Bay
    There was plan of Japanses surrender, marking the end not just to World War 2 but the Japanese military. This took place aboard the USS Missouri. Article
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